How long will my tint job take to “dry out” all of the bubbles?

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It depends on the type of tint you had installed & the weather conditions. Expect all of the bubbles, water streaks & hazing to become completely clear in 2 – 6 weeks. Hot dry weather will speed up the drying while cold wet weather can extend the drying time to the entire 6 weeks.

How long will my tint last?

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Auto tinting has come a long way in the last 5 years. You can expect it to last realistically 7-8 years before normal wear and tear set in. Just as the paint on your car won’t last forever, tint has it’s limitations on pigmentation and quality. Considering paint jobs cost thousands of dollars, a tint job is a bargain. If you plan to keep your car forever and it is out in the elements daily, plan on replacing it every 8-10 years.

What does the percentage mean for tint?

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The percentage represents the amount of visible light that is let through the tint. For example, 10% tint blocks 90% of all visible light allowing only 10% to pass through, that is why 10% is darker than say 30%. The lower the number, the darker the tint. PLEASE CHECK WITH ALL LOCAL LAWS BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR TINT!

What’s the difference between polishing and waxing?

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Polishing is the physical process of shining the surface of the paint to remove light defects and to give the surface a smooth and glossy shine. Car manufactures recommend polishing about once a year to maintain the quality your car’s finish. Washing the paint cleans the above-the-surface pollutants, but does not remove scratches, flaws in the paint, or oxidation, so polishing is required even with regular washing.

Waxing cannot be substituted for polishing, as it does not remove defects of the paint’s surface. Wax is simply a clear micro-thin coat that covers the paint, sealing it and blocking it from direct contact with elements that degrade the paint. It serves as a preventative measure to reduce the gradual degradation of the paint.

What is wax, and why do I need to apply it?

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Wax is a product designed to give your car’s paint a temporary micro-thin layer of protection from the environment. Wax seals the paint, protecting it by blocking the elements that would otherwise harm the paint. Pollution, dirt and grime, tree sap and bird droppings all rest on the wax coating rather than directly on the paint. As a result, wax helps your car stay cleaner, and it helps maintain the quality and prolong the life of your paint. Regular wax applications are an important preventative maintenance procedure for your car’s paint, just like regular oil changes are an important maintenance procedure for your engine.

How do I know when my car needs waxing?

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Wax is clear substance and is impossible to see. One way to check if your car is in need of a new wax application is to feel the texture of the paint’s surface. A surface coated with wax will feel very smooth and silky to the touch. Your hand should slide freely along the surface. If it does not, it is time for a new coat of wax for your car. Another visible indicator is the shine of the surface – wax gives your paint a fresh, high gloss appearance. Remember that painted surfaces are very susceptible to aging from weather, dirt and pollution – having your car waxed regularly helps reduce this effect and noticeably prolongs the quality of your paint.

Why do Professional Detailers use so many different products? Why not just a simple soap and wax?

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There are many different materials found in today’s vehicles combined with exposure to a wide range of environmental hazards. It takes a broad range of products to address the many different surface care requirements of paint, plastic, rubber, metal, glass, vinyl, and leather.

Just as a master mechanic’s tool chest holds many subtly different types of wrenches, screwdrivers and other items, professional detailers require many different types of products to optimally answer every surface care need.

How often should I have my vehicle washed?

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It depends. If your vehicle is exposed to corrosive materials like salt, sand, and industrial fallout, it should be washed often. The same goes for vehicles in areas with high humidity. Moisture attracts contaminants and promotes a variety of chemical reactions that can destroy your vehicle’s finishes. Frequent washing is essential to the life of your vehicle’s chrome and painted surfaces. In seasons or climates less conducive to corrosion, a wash every two weeks or so is adequate. In areas with acid rain, a wash every seven to ten days is highly advised. Of course, these estimates will vary depending upon whether your vehicle is kept in a garage or out in the elements.

I wash my vehicle at home using a garden hose. Lately, the finish looks dull and marked. What could be wrong?

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Washing your vehicle at home is extremely harmful to the finish. The University of Texas proved that a single home hand-wash can leave scratches in your finish as deep as 1/10 of the paints total thickness. Also, the average garden hose cannot supply enough water and water pressure with the detergent action to avoid damaging a vehicle’s finish.

This important study concluded that automobile owners should avoid washing their vehicles at home. Only a professional car wash can provide the proper amounts of water and water pressure needed along with the appropriate soaps and waxes to safely and effectively clean your vehicle.